Osteoporosis is caused by bone loss. It occurs when bones are broken down faster than new ones are built up. Technically, it is a metabolic bone disorder that slows the rate of bone formation and accelerates the rate of bone re-absorption, causing loss of bone mass. Contrary to popular belief, osteoporosis can be prevented and it can also be significantly reversed.
Bones grow, and so they can be rebuilt. Healthy practices including proper hydration, exercising, and adequate intake of bone building minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, silica, vitamin D, etc) over a period of time can ensure total reversal of osteoporosis. Herbal formulas such as HSN-W and Herbal CA can help rebuild bones, and prevent osteoporosis.
Also, maintaining balanced hormones is necessary to reverse osteoporosis. Herbal supplements such as Black Cohosh and progesterone can help balance hormones.
Avoiding alcohol, cigarettes, sodas, caffeine, table salt, excess meats, and dairy would reduce bone damage and afford proper rebuilding. Being over weight also puts too much stress on the structural system.
Balance meats in diet with fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables. Replace table salt with sea salt.
Arthritis is joint inflammation. There are over 2oo forms of arthritis and inflammatory conditions. Basically, inflammatory conditions are reflection of tissue damage or irritation. This is mainly caused by three kinds of stress:
Chemical – pH imbalance, nutritional deficiency, infections, and toxic overload.
Mechanical – injury and misalignments.
Emotional – hormonal imbalance and bad posture.
Unfortunately the NSAIDs (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs) primarily prescribed for inflammatory conditions of the structural system like arthritis do not treat these conditions. They only kill the pain (the symptom). The way to go is to heal the injured tissue that sparked the pain. Plus, they cause gastrointestinal bleeding (cause of death for 9,000 Americans each year), central nervous system symptoms (e.g. dizziness, insomnia, headaches, blurred or double vision, itching, hives, photosensitivity, etc), and cardiovascular effects such as edema, increased and irregular heartbeats, as well as urinary problems.
Natural remedies such as essential fatty acids, Thai-Go, Joint Support, IF Relief, and Noni would help reduce inflammation. But the stressors (chemical, biological, mechanical, emotional, and environmental) that caused the problem must be checked as well.
More serious conditions can be addressed with herbs like Yucca, Licorice, Wild Yam, and Adrenal Support, instead of Corticoids that do not address underlying causes of pain and may have long term side effects. Capsicum, Turmeric, and Ginger can also be used to increase blow flow, oxygen and nutrients to the affected area. Lymphatic massages too can help.
EverFlex (blend of glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and hyaluronic acid) can help rebuild joints, while Collatrim supports bones, tendons, and connective tissues.
Bone fractures or broken bones can also be addressed with herbs. In fact, herbs are the best choice to heal broken bones because NSAIDs inhibit the natural healing process. Healing herbs for fractures include:
Bone/Skin Poultice Chinese Mineral Chi Tonic HSN-W Skeletal Strength Herbal CA Colloidal Minerals PLS II
Herbs help replace trace minerals and nutrients lost from fractures, and therefore help them heal faster. Note that not all the herbs and combinations listed above need to be taken at one time. Contact an herbalist to determine which one or combinations are appropriate for you. While taking the herbs to aid the healing process, the following practices may assist the process:
- eat lots of pineapple. The enzyme, bromelain in pineapples help reduce swelling and inflammation.
- avoid alcohol, coffee and soda. They dehydrate the body and leach minerals from the bones.
- avoid processed foods. They may lead to bone loss due to their heavy phosphorus content.